The Diesel 275 is one of the Levante variants that rewards exact identification. With 275 hp and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft), it occupies a clear technical and market position, but similar badges, regional calibrations, and model-year updates often cause online listings to mix specifications. Buyers should establish what the car is before judging whether it is good value.
Maserati designed the M161 Levante as a sporting five-seat grand tourer with SUV clearance, not as a conventional utility vehicle. Its double-wishbone front suspension, rear-biased Q4 system, limited-slip rear differential, adaptive damping, and air springs support that goal. The result can be fast, comfortable, and distinctive, provided maintenance has kept pace with age and use.
This article examines the Maserati Levante Diesel for 2016–2021 from that practical viewpoint. It explains the verified performance package, production and option differences, the feel behind the numbers, recurring ownership needs, and a structured buying process. The aim is to preserve what makes the car special while avoiding vague assumptions that every Levante shares the same risks or value.
Table of Contents
- The 275 hp Diesel in Context
- A630 Diesel Drivetrain and Dimensions
- Trims Options and Production Evolution
- Long-Range Engineering with Italian Style
- Torque Ride and Real-World Pace
- Keeping the 275 hp Diesel Healthy
- Inspection Priorities Before Purchase
The 275 hp Diesel in Context
The useful way to view this version is straightforward: The 275 hp diesel was the volume long-range choice in many European markets. Its 600 Nm torque output suited the Levante’s size, while its official consumption was far lower than that of the gasoline V6s.
The M161 generation underpinning the 2016–2021 Diesel 275 reached production in 2016 after Maserati explored the SUV idea through the Kubang concepts. It was built at Mirafiori in Turin and shared important architecture with the Ghibli and Quattroporte rather than simply wearing a Maserati body on a conventional off-road platform.
The 2016–2021 Levante Diesel occupies a clear place in Maserati history because it broadened the brand without abandoning several traditional cues. A long hood, a set-back cabin, frameless side glass, a large vertical-bar grille, and three fender vents keep the shape recognizable. Underneath, the vehicle uses a steel-and-aluminum unibody, double-wishbone front suspension, a multi-link rear layout, adjustable air springs, electronically controlled Skyhook dampers, and Q4 all-wheel drive. In normal conditions Q4 favors the rear axle, then can direct up to half the torque forward when grip demands it.
A630 Diesel Drivetrain and Dimensions
The mechanical package is highly specific to this version: 275 hp, 600 Nm (443 lb-ft), an eight-speed automatic, and rear-biased Q4 all-wheel drive. The core dimensions are shared with most Levantes, but engine mass, brake size, tires, calibration, and official performance differ meaningfully.
| Model and coverage | Maserati Levante Diesel (Diesel 275), 2016–2021 |
|---|---|
| Engine | VM Motori A630 HP turbo-diesel V6 |
| Displacement | 2,987 cc |
| Induction | variable-geometry turbocharger with intercooling |
| Fuel system | 2,000-bar common-rail direct injection |
| Maximum output | 275 hp |
| Maximum torque | 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | ZF eight-speed torque-converter automatic |
| Drivetrain | Q4 rear-biased all-wheel drive with rear limited-slip differential |
| Acceleration | 0–100 km/h in 6.9 seconds |
| Top speed | 230 km/h (143 mph) |
| Approximate curb weight | about 2,205 kg (4,861 lb) |
| Fuel capacity | 80 L (21.1 US gal) |
Figures published for the 2016–2021 Levante Diesel may use PS, SAE horsepower, metric acceleration, or U.S. acceleration standards depending on the market. The numbers above follow the assignment’s stated output and the matching regional specification; they should not be mixed with a different market’s badge or test method.
| Body construction | Steel-and-aluminum five-door unibody |
|---|---|
| Front suspension | Double wishbones, air springs, adaptive Skyhook damping |
| Rear suspension | Five-link layout, air springs, adaptive Skyhook damping |
| Steering | Hydraulic on some early cars; electric on later model years |
| Brakes | 345 x 32 mm front discs; 330 x 22 mm rear discs |
| Wheels and tires | 18- to 21-inch wheel choices by trim |
| Length | 5,005 mm (197.0 in) |
| Width | 1,981 mm (78.0 in) |
| Height | 1,693 mm (66.7 in) |
| Wheelbase | 3,004 mm (118.3 in) |
| Luggage volume | 580 L seats up |
In the 2016–2021 275 hp Levante Diesel, Q4 does not make the vehicle behave like a permanently front-driven crossover. Under steady grip it retains a rear-led character, and the electronically controlled transfer system can send torque forward quickly when wheel slip, steering angle, throttle position, or road conditions require it. A mechanical limited-slip differential at the rear helps distribute drive across the axle. That system depends on four tires with closely matched rolling circumference; mixing sizes, models, or wear levels can create driveline stress and confused control behavior.
The 2016–2021 Diesel 275 uses air suspension with several ride heights for entry, normal road use, high-speed stability, and rough surfaces. Height changes alter ground clearance and the center of gravity, but they do not turn low-profile performance tires into off-road tires. The double-wishbone front geometry is one reason the steering feels more precise than the class average, while the multi-link rear keeps the body settled under power. Steel brake discs are used; condition and thickness matter, but buyers should not assume the car has carbon-ceramic hardware simply because replacement costs are high.
Trims Options and Production Evolution
The most important distinction is easy to state: production details matter because the Levante changed more through electronics, trim logic, and market calibration than its familiar silhouette suggests. It was sold through the original trim structure and later GranLusso and GranSport themes, so two mechanically similar cars may have very different seats, wheels, body details, and assistance equipment.
Early examples within the 2016–2021 275 hp Levante Diesel production span used hydraulic steering and the original gear selector. Subsequent updates introduced electric power steering, a redesigned selector, broader driver-assistance availability, Integrated Vehicle Control, adaptive full-LED lighting, new wheel designs, and the GranLusso and GranSport themes. The 2021 refresh added boomerang-inspired rear lamps, a revised grille treatment, and the Android-based Maserati Intelligent Assistant infotainment system in many markets.
How to identify an authentic specification
When verifying a 2016–2021 Levante Diesel, start with the VIN and build data, then compare the engine family, emissions label, brake hardware, wheel size, interior trim, and original market. Badges are easy to replace. Software tunes can also alter output without changing visible parts. A factory options list helps distinguish desirable equipment from later additions and clarifies whether missing features are faults or simply were never ordered.
Useful items to verify include:
- factory-correct exterior and interior colors for the Maserati Levante Diesel with 275 hp, including trim material and stitching;
- wheel design, diameter, and correct staggered tire sizes;
- brake caliper color and front-disc specification;
- panoramic roof, heated or ventilated seats, driver-assistance packages, and audio system;
- adaptive LED or earlier bi-xenon lighting, depending on model year;
- GranLusso, GranSport, GT, Modena, S, Trofeo, or Ultima details appropriate to the market;
- MTC+ or later MIA infotainment and the related control layout;
- two keys, handbook pack, cargo equipment, compressor or mobility kit, and service records.
Long-Range Engineering with Italian Style
The 2016–2021 Levante Diesel stands apart because its engineering and visual proportions support the same message: it is a road-focused Maserati first and an SUV second. The long hood, low roof for the class, frameless door glass, muscular rear haunches, and cab-rearward stance avoid the upright, square profile common to utility vehicles.
On the 2016–2021 275 hp version, the grille is tall and concave, with vertical bars and a central Trident. Three vents sit behind each front wheel, while the side glass tapers toward the rear under a sweeping roofline. Early cars use a cleaner lamp graphic; later cars gain boomerang-style rear lights inspired by historic Maserati designs. GranSport, Modena, GTS, Trofeo, and Ultima treatments change the lower fascias, dark trim, carbon content, wheel design, and badge treatment without disguising the core shape.
For the 2016–2021 275 hp Levante Diesel, Maserati worked to make the diesel less utilitarian through throttle calibration and an active sound system on some versions. The system uses actuators near the exhaust to reinforce selected frequencies, so an unusually flat or artificial note can be a fault rather than a personality trait.
Cabin layout and sensory character
In the 2016–2021 Levante Diesel, the driving position is lower and more car-like than in many luxury SUVs. A broad center tunnel divides the front seats, substantial column-mounted paddles remain fixed as the wheel turns, and the instrument layout keeps major driving information directly ahead. Physical controls for climate and several vehicle functions reduce dependence on the touchscreen, although the exact switchgear and software generation vary by year.
The exhaust and intake character depend strongly on the powertrain. The diesel builds speed with one strong, sustained push rather than a high-revving rush. Its extra front-end mass is noticeable, but the chassis still feels unusually balanced for a large diesel SUV. Drive modes alter throttle, gearbox, damping, ride height, stability control, and exhaust behavior where valves are fitted. These systems create real differences between settings; they also mean a fault can flatten the car’s character without preventing it from moving.
Practicality in the 2016–2021 275 hp Levante Diesel remains visible in the split-folding rear seat, power tailgate, useful cargo floor, roof-rail availability, and adjustable ride height. Rear space is adequate for adults, though the sloping roof and large transmission tunnel make the cabin less box-like than the exterior length suggests. Visibility is good forward but tighter over the rear quarters, making cameras and parking sensors valuable rather than decorative options.
Torque Ride and Real-World Pace
This version feels faster and more agile than its size suggests, but its strongest quality is balance rather than a single acceleration number. The diesel builds speed with one strong, sustained push rather than a high-revving rush. Its extra front-end mass is noticeable, but the chassis still feels unusually balanced for a large diesel SUV.
In the 2016–2021 275 hp version, throttle response depends on engine speed, drive mode, and gear selection. The eight-speed automatic can be smooth and unobtrusive in normal driving, then deliver fast, decisive changes when the driver uses Sport or the paddles. A healthy gearbox should engage drive and reverse without a long pause, shift cleanly under light load, and avoid flare or harshness when warm. Software adaptation and fluid condition can affect behavior, so one imperfect shift is a reason to investigate rather than immediately condemn the unit.
In the 2016–2021 275 hp Levante Diesel, steering is one of the model’s defining traits. Hydraulic early cars communicate more road texture, while later electric systems enable lane-support functions and can feel lighter around center. Both should track straight and return naturally after a corner. A wandering car may have tire, alignment, control-arm, wheel, or ride-height issues rather than an inherent steering flaw.
In the 2016–2021 Diesel 275, Sport mode holds gears, sharpens throttle response, firms damping, and can open the exhaust valves where fitted; the normal setting is better for broken pavement and low-speed traffic. The air suspension keeps body movement controlled without eliminating it. In the softer setting the Levante breathes with the road; in firmer modes it resists roll and pitch more strongly. Very large wheels can make sharp impacts busy and noisy, especially on old or overinflated tires. A 19- or 20-inch setup often provides the best road compromise, while 21- and 22-inch packages prioritize response and appearance.
The 2016–2021 Levante Diesel has firm braking feel when the discs, pads, fluid, and tires are healthy. The vehicle is heavy, so repeated high-speed stops generate substantial heat. A lip on the disc edge, vibration through the pedal, blue spots, cracking around drilled holes where applicable, or uneven inner-pad wear all deserve measurement. The official stopping figures were achieved on suitable tires and fresh hardware; budget replacements can alter the result dramatically.
In the 2016–2021 275 hp version, engine braking is modest in the automatic modes, so paddle downshifts are useful before a steep descent or a tight sequence of bends. On a motorway the long wheelbase, quiet cabin, broad torque delivery, and stable aero behavior make the Levante an effective grand tourer. In a city its width, turning circle, expensive wheels, and limited rear-quarter view require care. On a mountain road the rear-led balance and strong brakes are rewarding, but physics still applies: enter a corner with restraint, settle the chassis, then use the traction on exit.
Keeping the 275 hp Diesel Healthy
Reliability in the 2016–2021 Diesel 275 depends less on a simple model score than on service history, operating pattern, and the number of deferred systems. The Levante can be dependable, but one neglected car may simultaneously need tires, front brakes, air-suspension work, a battery, cooling repairs, and fluid service.
Powertrain and cooling
The VM Motori A630 HP turbo-diesel V6 can cover high mileages, but its emissions hardware needs the right operating pattern. Exhaust-gas recirculation introduces soot into the intake, and the diesel particulate filter needs sustained hot running to regenerate. Repeated interrupted regenerations can raise fuel consumption, dilute the engine oil, and eventually trigger warning messages or reduced-power operation. Selective catalytic reduction and AdBlue equipment also vary by market and model year, so every warning must be diagnosed rather than cleared and ignored.
On a 2016–2021 275 hp Levante Diesel, inspect the turbo actuator, boost hoses, intercooler connections, glow-plug system, injector correction values, and cooling circuit. A small charge-air leak can make the vehicle feel merely sluggish before it becomes an obvious fault. Oil seepage around upper engine covers is less urgent than low oil level or contaminated oil, but it still deserves a written estimate because access can be labor-intensive. A diesel that has spent its life on motorways often presents a better risk than a lower-mileage car used only for short school and shopping trips.
The ZF eight-speed in the 2016–2021 Diesel 275 is widely used and generally durable, but “lifetime fluid” should not be read as “fluid that never ages.” Check the pan, connector area, cooler lines, and service history for leaks or neglected fluid. Harsh engagement, delayed reverse, shudder under light acceleration, or inconsistent shifts need diagnosis. Transfer-case and differential fluids also age, and the AWD system depends on matched tires.
Suspension, brakes, and electronics
On the 2016–2021 275 hp version, air springs can leak, compressors can weaken, valve blocks can stick, and ride-height sensors can report implausible positions. Leave the car parked overnight and compare all four corners before starting it. A compressor that runs for an extended period after every start may be compensating for leakage. Adaptive dampers, upper and lower control-arm bushes, anti-roll-bar links, and wheel bearings also wear; knocking should not be dismissed as “normal for big wheels.”
For the 2016–2021 275 hp Levante Diesel, brake wear is a major cost driver. Measure disc thickness and runout rather than judging only through the wheel spokes. Inspect both pad faces, parking-brake operation, flexible hoses, and fluid age. Tires should match by brand, model, size, speed rating, and similar tread depth across each axle and ideally all four corners. Check date codes because a low-mileage car can still sit on hardened tires.
The modules in the 2016–2021 Diesel 275 are sensitive to battery condition. Confirm that the conventional battery is correctly specified and registered or initialized when required. Test every window, frameless-glass drop function, mirror, lock, key, seat motor, climate zone, camera, sensor, headlamp, tailgate, and infotainment input. Water from roof drains, door membranes, or previous windshield work can create electrical problems that appear unrelated.
Service planning and parts reality
For the 2016–2021 275 hp version, use the VIN-specific schedule as the minimum, then adjust for age, heat, short journeys, and performance use. Annual oil and inspection service is sensible for lightly driven examples. Brake fluid, coolant, filters, plugs on gasoline engines, diesel fuel filters, driveline fluids, belts, and air-conditioning service all have time as well as mileage considerations. Exact intervals and torque values vary by market and equipment.
Before buying a 2016–2021 275 hp Levante Diesel, check the VIN for open recalls and completed campaigns in the country where the vehicle is registered. Rear-camera software, fuel-system details, and other campaigns have varied by model year and market. Recall completion does not replace a physical inspection, and the absence of an open campaign does not prove a problem-free car.
Inspection Priorities Before Purchase
The best purchase is the car with the clearest identity, strongest maintenance file, and fewest combined needs—not automatically the newest, lowest-mileage, or cheapest example. Prioritize cars that regularly completed long journeys; repeated short urban use is harder on the particulate filter, EGR system, battery, and oil quality.
Inspection sequence
- Confirm the VIN, market, model year, engine code, output, trim, and factory options for the Maserati Levante Diesel with 275 hp.
- Review dated invoices, not only stamps, and map major work against time and mileage.
- Inspect the car cold for fluid levels, leaks, startup noise, smoke, warning lights, and battery behavior.
- Measure tires, wheels, brakes, ride height, and suspension wear before the test drive.
- Drive through city, rough-road, motorway, braking, and heat-soak conditions.
- Run a full-module diagnostic scan and investigate stored, pending, and recently cleared faults.
- Obtain a written specialist estimate for every defect, then add a contingency for hidden work.
A proper pre-purchase inspection for the 2016–2021 Diesel 275 should put the vehicle on a lift. Look for undertray damage, oil or coolant traces, crushed lifting points, corrosion on fasteners and subframes in salted climates, exhaust damage, differential or transfer-case seepage, and evidence of a previous impact. Panel gaps, paint depth, glass dates, lamp dates, wheel finish, and overspray help reveal body history. Quality repairs are not automatically disqualifying, but undisclosed structural or airbag work is.
Questions that protect the buyer
Build a first-year budget for the 2016–2021 275 hp version before negotiating. It should cover baseline fluids and filters if the history is incomplete, alignment, battery testing, tire or brake reserve, and one unexpected electronic or cooling repair. The gap between purchase price and a sorted car can be large, particularly on V8 or heavily optioned examples. Conversely, paying more for recent tires, measured brakes, fresh fluids, and documented suspension work can be economical.
Buy the 2016–2021 275 hp Levante Diesel primarily for the driving and ownership experience; speculative rarity should be a secondary reason. Avoid cars with mismatched tires, persistent suspension warnings, unexplained coolant loss, recently cleared fault memory, incomplete ownership documents, or performance modifications without supporting engineering and maintenance records. Cosmetic flaws can be priced; an uncertain mechanical story is harder to contain.
When the right 2016–2021 Diesel 275 appears, preserve the same discipline after purchase. Establish a baseline service, keep the battery charged, warm the powertrain before heavy load, cool it after sustained hard use, maintain matched tires, and address small leaks or warning messages early. That approach protects the Levante’s best qualities: unusual style, real cross-country ability, and a driving character that still feels distinct from mainstream luxury SUVs.
References
- Maserati Levante debuts at the Geneva Motor Show | Maserati | Stellantis Media 2016 (Launch Information)
- Maserati Levante MY19 Press Kit | Maserati | Stellantis Media 2018 (Technical Press Kit)
- Maserati MY21: Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante | Maserati | Stellantis Media 2020 (Model Update)
- Maserati Service Bundle: All-Inclusive Care | Maserati 2024 (Service Information)
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or repair. Specifications, torque values, service intervals, and procedures can vary by VIN, market, equipment, and production date. Verify all work against the vehicle’s official service documentation and use a qualified Maserati specialist when appropriate.
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